June 4

And he took her by the hand and the maid arose. Matthew 9:25.

PERSONS of all ranks and conditions in life, fall before the sword of the King of terrors. We do not feel much astonished when the aged and infirm become his victims, but how often are we surprised by his fatal attacks upon the strong and youthful of our race, and whose sun goes down while it is yet day. Ah! death has made all ages his own. In the place of sepulchres, we see tombs of every size, and for every stage in life, from the infant of a day, to the aged who are emphatically full of years. Here we have presented before us, one of those affecting scenes, which so often occurs. A Ruler with only one child, that child an affectionate and dearly beloved daughter, is seized by some distressing and painful disease. He immediately hastens to Jesus, and lays his case before him, and while he stated, that by that time most likely she was dead, yet he exercised so much faith in the Redeemer, that he said, "but come and lay thine hand upon her, and she shall live." Here was a case which greatly honored the Saviour; here was no doubt, or fear as to the result; here was no suspecting the Divinity of Christ's mission, no limiting of his power. He therefore at once, without reluctance or delay, arose, and with his disciples came to the ruler's house. The fears of the Ruler had been too well founded, for his daughter had indeed expired. And as was the custom of those times, a number of individuals had assembled, who were wailing greatly for the deceased. Doubtless the Father's faith would now give way, therefore Jesus said, "Fear not, believe only, and she shall be made whole." It is true her case was now humanly speaking, utterly hopeless, and so the people laughed Jesus to scorn; but with Christ all things are possible, if we can but believe. He now therefore selects three disciples, Peter, James, and John, to be the witnesses on the occasion, and with the father and mother present, he prepares to exert his omnific power, in restoring the daughter to life.

S